How to Take Macro Photos

Macroscopic photography offers photographers a unique view of the world to explore with an unlimited amount of color, texture, and physical architecture. Macro photography is magnified photography, which is used to produce an image that is larger in the film plane (or digital sensor) than in real life.

“Flag waving drop” captured by PictureSocial member Sherry Slabik

Macro Photography on a Point & Shoot

Point and shoot cameras are a line of cameras popular with beginner photographers and suitable for everyday photography.

Attach camera to tripod. Focusing on an image close up can be difficult with certain models of camera. Any movement can bring the photograph out of focus. For best results, attach the camera to a tripod.

Select Macro Mode. Macro mode is typically a little flower in the shooting modes. When selected, it causes the camera to focus on an object closer to the lens than normal. In addition, macro mode will also increase the size of the aperture, bringing the subject into closer focus while leaving the background in the distance.

Zoom-In on the Image. Using the camera’s zoom feature, bring the image into focus on the view screen.

Set Flash (or not). Use of a flash with a point and shoot camera is purely personal preference. Macro photographs require a certain amount of light to remain clear and in focus. Unfortunately, it is difficult to control the flash on a point and shoot. For professional results, wait for a bright day with lots of natural light to take the photograph.

“Autumn Leaves” captured by PictureSocial member Colby Johnson

Take the Shot. Once shot has been lined up and in focus, double check the view screen and take the shot.

Try experimenting with various settings, different apertures and compositions to see what works best.

Macro Photography on a DSLR Camera

While point and shoot cameras may possess excellent macro capabilities, for optimal results a DSLR camera will generally out-perform point and shoot. The reason for this is because DSLR cameras allow various attachments for special purpose macro lenses.

Attach Appropriate Lens. Attach the appropriate lens following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Some cameras have special accessories specifically with macro photography, these attachments allow the photographer to enlarge the subject and/or decrease the minimum focal length.

Set Camera to Macro Mode & Select Aperture. Place the camera in macro mode, oftentimes some models of cameras will not allow any other adjustments without this mode being selected. After the camera has been placed in macro mode, select a small aperture (it’s a big number) for a large depth of the field, which places everything into focus, or a large aperture (small number) if focusing on the main subject. In most situations, it’s best to select a shallow depth of field, so select the largest aperture possible.

Set Flash. Having some artificial light in macro photography is important. Fortunately, most cameras come with their own built-in light meter. Choosing a time of day when there is plenty of natural light is the cheapest way of producing high quality photographs. Alternatively, the harsh light of the flash can be diffused by applying tissue paper or cello tape over the flash. Another more expensive option would be to invest in a reflector.